For many people Christmas is a time of pressure, memories, mixed emotions and increased stress. Routines change, money feels tighter, family relationships can become more difficult, and feelings of loneliness or grief may feel stronger than other times of the year.
If you or someone you care about is finding things tough, please remember that support is always available.
There are several services offering round-the-clock help and someone to talk to whenever you need it:
999
For any emergency and immediate help is required
111
For medical advice and guidance
111 Option 2
For mental health crisis support
Mind
This is a national mental-health charity that offers helplines, advice and information to anyone struggling with their mental health. They can help you understand your feelings, explore what support might suit you, and point you toward counselling or community services.
- Telephone: 0300 123 3393
- Website: mind.org.uk
Shout
A free 24/7 text-based support service for people in crisis or feeling overwhelmed. If you find talking hard, you can simply text to start a confidential, anonymous conversation
- Text: SHOUT to 85258
- Website: giveusashout.org
Samaritans
Provides round-the-clock listening and emotional support by phone or online. It’s open to anyone who is feeling distressed, lonely or just needs to talk — no issue is too big or too small.
- Telephone: 116 123
- Website: samaritans.org
Young Minds
A service focused on younger people needing mental-health support. If you’re under 25 (or supporting someone who is), this can be a good place for guidance and support tailored to youth-specific issues
- Text: YM to 85258
- Website: youngminds.org.uk
CALM
A support line geared toward men who might be feeling depressed or considering suicide. They offer understanding, non-judgemental support and can help you talk through what you’re going through.
- Telephone: 0800 58 58 58
- Website: thecalmzone.net
Papyrus
A national helpline for people under 35 who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health distress. It offers confidential, free support and advice when things feel overwhelming
- Telephone: 0800 068 4141
- Website: papyrus-uk.org
Combat Stress
Combat Stress is the UK’s main charity specialising in mental-health care for veterans and former members of the Armed Forces. Their 24-hour helpline is available for veterans, serving personnel, and their families offering a confidential space to talk, get emotional support, and access advice or signposting for wider need.
- Telephone: 0800 138 1619
- Website: https://combatstress.org.uk/
Respect
Men’s Advice Line offers a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for men (including those identifying as trans) who are experiencing domestic abuse, or who are concerned about someone in that situation.
- Telephone: 0808 8010327
- Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
Refuge – National Domestic Abuse Helpline
This is a free, 24-hour UK helpline (phone and online chat) offering confidential support and guidance to people experiencing domestic abuse. Whether you’re still living with your abuser, are planning to leave, or have already left, the helpline advisers listen without judgment, explain your rights and options, and can help you access refuge, outreach services, legal advice or other specialist support.
- Telephone: 0808 2000 247
- Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Daisy Programme
Daisy Programme supports survivors of domestic or sexual abuse (women, men or children, depending on age and circumstances) in the Breckland/Norfolk area. They provide a range of help including counselling and courses or group support.
- Telephone: 01953 880903
- Website: https://www.daisyprogramme.org.uk/
If there is an immediate danger to yourself or someone else, please call 999 or visit A&E/Emergency Department.
Mental health crises are just as important as physical emergencies.
From all the Partners and Staff at School Lane Surgery, we wish you peace, good health, and happiness this Christmas and Happy New Year.